As the Senators search for answers to find their inconsistency, Bryan Murray is searching the trade market.

Two league sources told the Sun the Senators GM has been working the phones to try to make a deal to shake up his struggling club. The priority is to try to find a top four defenceman who will be able to step in immediately.

Preparing to face the Minnesota Wild Wednesday at home, the Senators are coming off two straight losses to Columbus and Philadelphia. The club has struggled mightily in its own zone and needs to clean up its act defensively.

"I get the sense Murray would like to do something," said a league executive before the visit by the Wild. "It might even just be a change for the sake of change."

Yes, the club also needs to find the right fit with a top six forward, but the hope is Milan Michalek will eventually break out of his slump and return to the form that allowed him to have good chemistry with captain Jason Spezza.

The market for defencemen is thin and lots of teams looking for them. As reported by the Sun two weeks ago, the Rangers are willing to move Michael Del Zotta while Pittsburgh's Matt Niskanen and Dallas' Vernon Fiddler are also options.

The Senators have $8.409 million in cap space but if Murray makes a deal he will have to move out another contract. It it's believed at some point the Senators will also call up forward Mike Hoffman from Binghamton and give him a chance.

Ottawa Senators GM Bryan Murray looking to deal

As the Senators search for answers to find their inconsistency, Bryan Murray is searching the trade market.

Two league sources told the Sun the Senators GM has been working the phones to try to make a deal to shake up his struggling club. The priority is to try to find a top four defenceman who will be able to step in immediately.

Preparing to face the Minnesota Wild Wednesday at home, the Senators are coming off two straight losses to Columbus and Philadelphia. The club has struggled mightily in its own zone and needs to clean up its act defensively.

"I get the sense Murray would like to do something," said a league executive before the visit by the Wild. "It might even just be a change for the sake of change."